New scheme launches to support community events in York and North Yorkshire
Top chef Michael Hjort of the York Food and Drink Festival is running the scheme. (Image: Pic supplied)
A new equipment sharing scheme is set to make organising community events easier and more affordable.
Launched by York Food Festival and backed by the Vibrant and Sustainable High Streets Fund, the scheme aims to support groups across York and North Yorkshire.
It enables charities, community groups and not-for-profit organisations to borrow essential event equipment including gazebos, tables, chairs, signage, and crowd management tools.
The project aims to remove one of the biggest logistical barriers to staging public events by providing access to professional equipment that many organisations cannot afford to buy or hire.
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Michael Hjort, director of York Food Festival, said: "Successful high streets are about far more than shopping—they are places where communities come together.
"Festivals, markets, demonstrations and community events all help create vibrant places that people want to visit and spend time in.
"This scheme gives community organisations and local partnerships access to professional-quality equipment that would otherwise be beyond their reach.
Mayor David Skaith has funded the scheme.
(Image: Pic supplied)
"By sharing resources rather than duplicating them, we can support many more events, make better use of public investment and help bring more activity to York's high streets throughout the year."
The scheme has received £46,000 in funding from the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority through the Vibrant and Sustainable High Streets Fund, which is designed to revitalise high streets and support community-led activities.
David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, said: "Our high streets are where our communities come together.
"That’s why I’m backing creative ideas from the people who know their area best with my High Streets Fund.
"By supporting the Events Equipment Sharing Scheme across York and North Yorkshire, we are helping to create a pool of equipment for events and community activities on our high streets, reducing costs, transport needs, and environmental impact.
"This is one of 66 projects we’ve supported across York and North Yorkshire helping to transform our high streets into vibrant destinations that residents and visitors will want to return to again and again."
The scheme also features a dedicated online booking system and website, making it easy for organisations to check availability and reserve items.
Equipment is stored centrally in York to maximise accessibility while minimising transport costs and environmental impact.
The programme supports a growing network of organisations working to enliven York’s city centre and neighbourhoods through events that boost footfall, support independent businesses, and strengthen community bonds.
Eligible organisations across York and North Yorkshire can now apply to borrow equipment for events that benefit local communities and high streets.
Further details and application information can be found on the York Food Festival website at www.yorkfoodfestival.com/about-us/community/events-equipment-sharing-scheme.